Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into the handover of the new seaplane terminal in Velana International Airport (VIA) over suspicion that Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has acted in the interest of a particular party after neglecting what benefits the state.
In a statement issued by ACC, the commission said it has instructed MACL to take corrective measures in various regards after it found the company acted in personal interests. ACC's statement accused MACL of working in personal interest and neglecting benefits to the state, adding the commission has decided to launch a criminal investigation into the matter.
In the statement, ACC noted the lowest and highest lease rates of space in the airport during 2017 and 2018 were USD 174 and USD 314 per square metre respectively. ACC remarked the agreed lease rate of USD 10 per month per square metre for the seaplane terminal is a significantly lower rate compared against the normal lease rates.
The report further said although discussions were held on the award of the terminal, no agreements had been made and no contracts were signed. Additionally, it noted the 12,746 square meter MRO facility is the only such facility being developed under the seaplane terminal project, and it is contracted to be developed for USD 5.46 million. Noting the terminal has been developed to accommodate multi-parties, ACC said awarding the terminal to a specific party after developing an international standard MRO facility will cause major losses to MACL.
The parliament has also been investigating the dispute between MACL and TMA in the terminal handover. Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has remarked MACL and TMA should reach agreeable terms to resolve the case swiftly.